Full Job Description
Description
SUMMARY: The Financial Accounting Manager is a key leader within CMHA's Finance Department, responsible for overseeing complex financial operations with a strong commitment to accuracy, timeliness, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. This position ensures that all financial activities are completed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering exceptional, high-quality, and value-driven financial services across the Agency. This role requires expert-level knowledge of housing authority finance and its impact across CMHA operations. The Financial Accounting Manager leads by example, demonstrating respect, initiative, creativity, and excellence, while supporting staff development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, quality, and fiscal integrity.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The statements below describe the general nature and scope of work performed by this position and reflect CMHA's core values of respect, integrity, accountability, quality, and professionalism. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities.
• Assist with daily financial operations across all CMHA programs (LIPH, HCV, COCC, Capital Fund, ROSS/FSS, grants, etc.), ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial processing.
• Coordinate and complete month-end and year-end financial activities with a focus on quality, accountability, and timeliness.
• Prepare, review, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements, VMS reporting, HUD 52722/52723 forms, Financial Data Schedule (FDS) reporting, and other regulatory submissions.
• Monitor program budgets, analyze variances, and provide clear, well-documented explanations that add value to management decision-making.
• Prepare comprehensive financial reports, schedules, worksheets, and narratives with attention to detail and excellence.
• Research, analyze, and document finance-related issues using sound judgment, initiative, and creativity to identify effective solutions.
• Ensure timely and accurate drawdowns and cash management for all HUD- and grant-funded programs.
• Provide financial and accounting support for the HCV program, ensuring exceptional service and responsiveness to program needs.
• Lead grant accounting and associated cash management activities, including requesting cash transfers and ensuring all grant-related entries and filings are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and training to finance staff to enhance accuracy, productivity, accountability, and professional growth.
• Collaborate respectfully and effectively with department leadership, HCV, Asset Management, Capital Improvements, and other internal teams on financial matters.
• Ensure timely completion of all Public Housing and related regulatory filings.
• Assist with audit preparation, including schedules and documentation; respond to auditor inquiries with professionalism and integrity and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Serve as a lead participant in internal, external, HUD, Single Audit, and monitoring reviews.
• Prepare and enter required financial data into the prescribed Financial Data Schedule.
• Stay current on industry guidelines and regulatory changes and proactively share knowledge to support agency-wide understanding and compliance.
• Act as a mentor and trusted resource for staff seeking guidance on finance department functions.
• Lead and support special projects as assigned, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and accountability.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate competencies aligned with CMHA's values of respect, integrity, accountability, professionalism, excellence, and quality.
• Professional demeanor with a strong commitment to financial integrity, accuracy, and accountability.
• Excellent customer service skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Prior experience in a Senior Accountant role within a governmental or nonprofit organization.
• Collaborative team player demonstrating patience, persistence, leadership, and respect for others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining quality and timeliness.
• Experience preparing financial projections, pro formas, and related analyses.
• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with demonstrated practical application.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement procedures that improve efficiency, accuracy, and staff productivity.
• Strong ability to organize, analyze, and present complex financial information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Experience working with financial software applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Above-average functional capability with personal computers and related software.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting required.
• Five (5) years of accounting experience, including at least two (2) years at a senior or supervisory level.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to sit or stand for eight hours while performing essential work duties. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that could have increased stress levels.
OTHER: The candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in state of residence and maintain an insurable driving record under the terms and conditions of the CMHA auto liability policy. The candidate may have no more than 6 accumulated points in 3 consecutive years.
